Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended the club’s £450m summer spending, arguing that pundits are biased towards other clubs and overlooking the £250m recouped from player sales. New signing Alexander Isak is set to make his debut against Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hit back at critics focusing on the club’s substantial summer transfer spending, asserting that pundits are unfairly favoring other teams in their analysis. The Reds have invested around £450 million in eight new players during the recent transfer window, a figure that has drawn considerable attention.
However, Slot was quick to point out that this spending was significantly offset by over £250 million generated through player sales. He emphasized that Liverpool’s financial strategy is a balanced one, particularly when contrasted with their relatively quiet transfer activity the previous summer, where they spent only £10 million.
The latest addition to Liverpool’s squad, Swedish striker Alexander Isak, arrived from Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125 million. Isak is expected to make his debut in Wednesday’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Despite not featuring in the recent 1-0 win at Burnley, Isak has been working diligently to improve his match fitness after joining the club.
Slot explained that Isak had been training alone at Newcastle in an attempt to expedite his move to Liverpool, but still requires additional work to reach peak condition. The forward’s only appearance this season came in a brief 18-minute cameo for Sweden against Kosovo, highlighting the need for him to build up his fitness levels.
“There is so much focus on our new signings, especially from pundits that favour some other clubs in the country that cannot stop talking about £450m,” Slot stated during his pre-match press conference. “I repeat, £450m, £450m! But they forget about [nearly] £300m that we have sold [players] for. So, yes, if we want to strengthen the squad we need to spend that much money.”
Slot believes Liverpool’s approach to recruitment is commendable, particularly given the youthfulness of their new signings. He noted that all eight players acquired this summer are aged 25 or under, representing a long-term investment in the club’s future. He contrasted this with other teams who may opt for more established, 27-year-old players who are immediately ready to contribute.
“Some other teams prefer to bring in 27-year-olds because they are ready, but we think we have brought in players who are 21, 22 [and] who are ready,” Slot added. “I think all the money we have spent we generated ourselves by selling, and by winning the league after we didn't buy anyone at all.”
While acknowledging Isak’s need for further conditioning, Slot expressed confidence in his ability to make a significant impact. He stated he is “100% sure” Isak won’t play a full 90 minutes against Atletico Madrid but anticipates he will feature in the match. Slot also outlined the importance of Isak gradually building up his fitness to be able to consistently play at a high level, including handling the demands of playing multiple games per week.
“The main challenge he has is to become so fit that he’s first of all ready to do what he did last season,” Slot explained. “Scoring goals and doing special things in attack is something he will 100% do.”
Liverpool’s Champions League campaign begins with a challenging fixture against Atletico Madrid, and the arrival of Isak is expected to bolster their attacking options. Slot’s defense of the club’s transfer strategy underscores his belief in the long-term vision and the quality of the players they have brought in.
The debate surrounding Liverpool’s spending is likely to continue, but Slot remains steadfast in his conviction that the club has conducted its business responsibly and strategically. The focus now shifts to the pitch, where Liverpool will aim to translate their investment into success both domestically and in Europe.
